Why Online?

While there are many reasons that families choose online high school education, the flexibility and individuality of online programs are two of its greatest benefits. School takes place anytime, anywhere, and is tailored to the needs of each student.

Online learning is the fastest growing form of education in the world. At the turn of the millennium, it is estimated that 45,000 K-12 students received training online. In 2008 the number of K-12 students enrolled on online classes grew to over 1 million. Some educational leaders are predicting that within the next 20 years over 50% of all K-12 courses will be delivered via online classes. 

Why are online classes growing in popularity? Flexibility and customization! Students can now learn anywhere, anytime and can choose courses tailored to their needs. Online courses align with the flexibility and individual learning needs of today's students.

In the past, correspondence and online courses have been viewed as inferior to the traditional educational model. Many viewed them as an easy way to a degree and several "diploma factories" encouraged this perception. As technology has improved, so has the rigor of online classes. Today, online classes provide the same quality instruction as traditional face-to-face courses. Visit the GCSO program overview to learn how our program provides personal attention to each student.

Global Christian School Online is determined to provide engaging, high-quality online courses that develop students into critical thinkers and world changers. 

Online Learning in the News

The following collection of new reports, arranged by publication date, originates from a variety of news sources. Each article documents the growing popularity and quality of online learning programs across the country.  

International Society for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL, February 2012). Fast Facts about Online Learning

Summary: This important report indicates that growth in K-12 Online learning continues at a rapid pace. 40 states support online learning with an estimated 1.8 million online course enrollments, most of which were at the high school level.

Michigan Virtual University (July, 2009). "National Study Says Online Learning Students Out-Pace Those in Traditional Classrooms." PR Newswire 

Summary: A survey conducted by the US Department of Education determined that "on average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction." 

Ramaswami, Rama (May, 2009). "Even! But No Longer Odd." T.H.E. Journal

Summary: Once regarded as an unconventional alternative for atypical students, virtual schools have achieved mainstream acceptance, and are now seen as providing an education equal to--if not better than--what their traditional counterpart offers. 

Lisa McClure (August 2008).  Online Schools Simulate the Reald World. Seattlepi.com

Summary: Online learning prepares 21st century students for the rigors of the competitive business market. which values new skills such as collaboration, creativity, and organization. 

PRNewswire-USNewswire (January 2008). "Online Learning Takes Off in K-12 Schools." 

Summary: The Sloan Consortium reports significant growth in online learning among the nation's elementary and secondary school students. It is estimated that more than 1 million students are now taking classes online, a 47% increase from the Sloan Consortium's original K-12 study done just two years earlier. "K-12 Online Learning: A 2008 Follow-up of the Survey of U.S. School District Administrators" finds the vast majority of American school districts are providing some form of online learning and even more plan to do so within the next three years. 

Frey, Thomas (March 2007). "The future of education." DaVinci Institute 

Summary: While many people are making predictions about the direction that education systems are headed, we have found the best predictors to be hidden in the participative viral systems springing to life in the online world. This paper is the result of an 18-month collaborative research study conducted by the DaVinci Institute, its members and associated research teams. The focus is on the key missing elements that will cause disruptive next generation education systems to emerge.